Wednesday, November 17, 2010

The Art of the Teese

Ten days after crossing off a big challenge on my 30 Before 30 list, the inevitable question comes up: What next?

I think it's time to tackle burlesque.

From the moment I saw my first burlesque show, I've been fascinated with this coquettish performance art. I remember coming to burlesque night in Galapagos Art Space in Williamsburg a few years ago and just being enthralled. The performers came in all shapes and sizes—shapes and sizes that perhaps would not be a casting director for Baywatch's definition of sexy. But every flick of the hip, every tug on a silk glove just oozed with sensuality—and yet, never vulgarity. Since then, I've sworn I would take a lesson (or ten) from these unapologetically sensual women. Thanks to my list, I've gotten that much needed push to just go and do it. So I've booked a 6-hour intensive class with The New York School of Burlesque next month, and I am beyond excited! I don't really know what I'm ever going to do with what I'll learn. I was a dancer for many years and a ham my entire life, but I don't know that baring it all (save for a few feathers and a couple of sparkly pasties) to the public is really my thing. What I'm more interested in is embracing the sensuality that every woman is born with but for some reason feels she has to quell. The older I get, however, the more I believe that there's really no reason for women to keep downplaying their femininity. There's a sense of power that comes with embracing what it means to be a woman. Just take a look at Dita Von Teese, who has parlayed her overwhelming feminine wiles into one very lucrative brand.
From being just a sideshow to Marilyn Manson's freakshow, she's taken over top-billing. She's become a pretty big player in the realm of celebrity endorsements:

Wonderbra

Cointreau

MAC
Perrier.
Her likeness appears on water bottles and cans ...
... and even airplanes.
I for one look forward to the day when I'll be able to channel my inner bombshell and unleash that unrestrained womanly power out into the world!

2 comments:

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...